Presentation Information
[O-2-03]Feasibility and efficacy of ASSIST linked Brief Intervention in Areca Nut (Betel nut) addiction (Preliminary findings of a study from Meghalaya, India)
*Subhash Das, Caleb Harris, Arvind Nongpiur, Vikas Kantilal Jagtap, Shanthosh Priyan S, Kimberly Syiem (North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences(India))
Keywords:
areca nut,Brief Intervention,ASSIST,addiction
Background: Areca nut, widely consumed in Southeast Asia and India, contains arecoline, which produces various sensations like warmth, diminished hunger, and sweating. Studies indicate its addiction potential, and the WHO has identified its possible role in causing cancer (Athukorala IA et al., 2021; Warnakulasuriya S et al., 2022; WHO, 2003).In Meghalaya, India, areca nut chewing is prevalent. Brief Intervention (BI), a non-pharmacological approach, is effective in reducing substance use (Mattoo SK et al., 2018). This pilot study aims to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of BI for areca nut addiction.Aims and Methodology: The study's objectives are to measure the completion rate of BI and assess the quit/reduction rate after one month. Conducted at a tertiary care teaching hospital in the North East of India, adult participants with WHO-ASSIST scores of 4-26 were enrolled. Two groups of 30 participants each were planned: Group A (relatives of surgical oncology patients) and Group B (Healthcare Workers - HCW). Along with other details (including areca nut consumption), ASSIST scores were recorded at first contact, Day 7, and after one month.Results: So far, 30 participants from Group A and 21 from Group B have been approached, totalling 51. The majority are females (80.3%). The mean age for Group A is 38.8 years and for Group B, 29.3 years.Group A: 23.3% (7/30) completed BI and assessment. Their mean ASSIST score decreased from 19.4 to 14.5 (25.25% reduction), with a 71% quit/reduction rate.Group B: 47.6% (10/21) completed BI and assessment. Their mean ASSIST score decreased from 18.7 to 12.7 (32.0% reduction), with a 90% quit/reduction rate.Overall, Group B showed better engagement and higher quit/reduction rates than Group A.Conclusion: Preliminary findings suggest that BI is a feasible intervention for reducing areca nut intake, although engaging participants in treatment remains a challenge.